Future plans for the design and construction of fast reactor power stations in the United States of America

The United States plans with fast breeder reactors are outlined. The basic elements are: (1) Completion and operation of the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF) as a fuels and materials test reactor, at the same time gaining experience in systems and component operation. (2) Completion of the CRBRP systems design. (3) Development of components for plants larger than CRBRP and tests of the CRBR pumps and steam generators. (4) Design studies on plants in the range of 650 MW(e) or larger. (5) Evaluation of core designs and fuel systems which utilize proliferation-resistant fuels. (6) Continuation of base technology effort in materials, safety, high temperature analysis, and associated areas, to assure availability of information if it is determined that the USA will proceed with deployment of commercial breeder plants. In all this work, the FFTF is a cornerstone in that it provides a major testing capability to satisfy the diverse needs of the breeder reactor programme base technology development. The FFTF provides for irradiation testing of alternative fuel systems, as well as a site for testing plant systems and components. (author)